Object

National Parks Directorship

Leo halts Toby in the hallway and reveals the recently signed parks bill includes retroactive language that renders the National Parks directorship Senate-confirmable. This shift nullifies the White House's promise to Karen Kroft, whom key senators oppose. Toby absorbs the blow, then directs Ginger to compile a list of alternative sub-cabinet slots that evade confirmation. Josh and Margaret witness the abrupt pivot from assured appointment to political casualty.

2 appearances

Purpose

Oversee administration and protection of U.S. National Parks as a Senate-confirmed executive position

Significance

Shatters a key personnel promise central to White House-Senate negotiations, exposing procedural traps in legislation and compelling Toby's team to scramble for workaround appointments amid rising confirmation battles.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E9 · Swiss Diplomacy

Policing the Word, Closing the Door

The National Parks directorship functions as the contested prize: previously promised to Karen Kroft, it becomes politically fraught when the parks bill makes it Senate-confirmable, transforming a personnel gesture into a confirmation liability.

Before: Promised/offered internally to Karen Kroft as a consolation post after her electoral loss.

After: Effectively rescinded as an easy appointment option due to the newly-applied Senate-confirmation requirement.

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S4E9 · Swiss Diplomacy

Kroft Nomination Dies; Toby Scrambles for Safe Slots

The National Parks directorship is the object of the promise and the immediate casualty — referenced constantly as the position the White House intended for Karen Kroft but can no longer assign without Senate confirmation.

Before: Designated by senior staff as the forthcoming position for Karen Kroft; informally promised as a consolation/post-election placement.

After: Effectively off-limits for immediate appointment; now requires Senate confirmation, nullifying the quick placement plan.

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